Why it is in news?
- Contrary to popular belief that the melting ice in the Arctic would open up alternate shipping routes, it would still not be an easily navigable route.
- Even if the Arctic becomes ice-free, the Northern sea route will not be an easily navigable route anytime soon.
- It will not be practical for container traffic, it may be okay for bulk carriers carrying gas.
- But it is containers which constitute the major traffic.
India
- The Finnish official called for a greater Indian role in the region as an observer in the Arctic Council, especially in renewing commitment to climate change and environmental protection.
- There is increasing concern in India as China makes inroads into the strategically important Arctic region which has large reserves of untapped minerals and fossil fuels.a
Temperatures a hurdle
- Despite melting ice, the waters would be tough to navigate due to sub-zero temperatures and would pose serious challenges to ships effecting their movement and schedules which carries a premium in container traffic.
- The Arctic region which has permanently frozen ice is melting at an increasing rate due to global warming and is expected to be ice- free by 2060.
- Already several countries have sent their ships and ice breakers in the summer months to demonstrate the navigability.
- Countries such as China and Japan are investing in infrastructure development there.
- It is seen as an alternate shipping route to cut time and costs and also circumvent the global choke points.
The Arctic Council
- The Arctic Council, which is an intergovernmental organisation, has eight member-states, six independent permanent participating organisations and observers which are non-Arctic states like India and China.
- Finland is holding the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 2017-19.
- The Arctic Council is currently formulating a long-term strategy for action looking into the 2030s based on its founding charter.